Girl Meets Change

Kristen helps the reader take courage in each season by weaving in biblical accounts of those affected by change and incorporating touching stories from her life and the lives of others.

Kristen does not minimize the pain that often accompanies change, but she points the reader upward, reminding them of the Sovereign and Loving God who knows what He is doing.

“Life and anything that represents life involves movement, and standing rigid against it will only break us. So being the loving parent he is, God gently but firmly urges us toward the uncomfortable places change brings.”
―Kristen Strong, Girl Meets Change

The Christmas Angel

The Christmas Angelby Doug Kloosterman is a fully-illustrated children’s book about what angels are really like. They aren’t delicate pastel figurines—they are warriors that carry messages and reassure their recipients not to be afraid.

Doug is one of our good friends and we are so proud of him for turning his yearly angel rant into a published book.

My kids were engaged by both the message and the pictures as we read this book aloud.

My Top 3 Reads of 2015:

Every once in awhile a book comes along that you feel is written just for you. You wonder if the author has been spying on your heart as their words address issues you have been dealing with for a lifetime.

Woman at War is a power-packed battle guide for calling women to freedom through revelation and spiritual training. Jan addresses mother/daughter relationships, sister relationships, friendships and church ministry relationships. She points us to the truth and offers practical resources for walking out the principles found in this book.

I can’t say enough good things about this book. It is by far my favorite read of the year. My husband and I purchased numerous copies to give to graduates. If you haven’t read Jesus > Religion I implore you to do so. You will be challenged, stirred up and excited to live in more freedom, love and truth than every before—at least we were.

“Our lives on earth aren’t just placeholders until we go to heaven. We are to create, cultivate, and redeem while we’re here. The misconception, I’ve realized, has come from a lack of knowledge of why we were created.”-Jefferson Bethke

Jefferson cuts through religious red tape and gets to the heart of the matter and the heart of Jesus. This book challenged my thinking on the topics of grace, art, and church life. I embarrassingly tend to lean towards legalism and Jefferson words helped illuminate a better way.

“One of my favorite things about following Jesus is I get to drop the act, admit I’m not good enough, walk in freedom-and that’s good news.” -Jefferson Bethke

Head on over here for a full list of books that I have reviewed to date.

This year I set a goal to read 25 books via Goodreads. I am 6 books behind schedule but am determined to try and meet my goal by year’s end. I better get reading!

What are some of the best books that you have read in 2015?

P.S. Still looking for gift ideas? Why not purchase a copy of one of these books?

Every Little Thing is a conversation over coffee with a wise and approachable friend.

Click image to purchase via DaySpring (affiliate link).

My biggest take-a-way is to live my ordinary life well. So often I chase after success, accolades and shiny gold stars, when, in actuality, the greatest fulfillment comes from being faithful each day and loving those around me well.

Deidra’s message is a needed and timely one that grounds us while giving us the courage to fly when it’s time.

The Horse of My Heart by Callie Smith Grant

From “Pasture Bullies” to the “Mystery Of The Blue Hoof to Swimming With Cheetah”, horses come and go. Sad and happy things make their way into peoples lives and make their stories better.

Image via Revell

When four legs and two meet, when hair and manes combine, when hand touches forehead, that is when a friendship happens and life is a little bit sweeter.

Reading this book made my dream more epic, clear, huge and most of all…magical. And while I keep on begging and praying to have my own horse, I’ll watch the stamp of a hoof, toss of a head and a saddle being lifted up high onto the back of a majestic creature.

Dragons and Dirtby Dalene Reyburn is a must-read for moms, dreamers and all those who secretly—or not so secretly—want to make a lasting impact on this planet.

Dalene writes real, beautiful and clear. Through personal story, symbolism, and scripture, the words on the page come to life. Practical counsel is extended to fellow sojourners as they walk in the dirt and long to make a difference.

Too often I rush through the day, the meals and the bedtime routine so that I can try to change the world by tapping on keys, tickling ivories, or uploading images. When all the while I miss out on the majesty found in the mundane. The small is important work. Baby steps—walked faithfully—pave the way for bigger strides.

The kettle whistles and the tea can wait. I’m lying with my boy because the morning will come soon enough to consign another night to the past, and now, while he still needs me, I’m praying that I’ll keep obeying so he’ll keep remembering that I’ll keep coming back (pg. 139, Dragons and Dirt).

Don’t stress out trying to save time, then lose it forever because you’ve marred the minutes with hurry-up and yelling. Giving people my undivided attention—listening to hearts—is never time wasted (pg 113).

So how about you?
Are you plowing through tender moments as you sprint towards “significance”?

He has shaped each of us for his purposes… you don’t have to be anyone but you. There are you-shaped spaces that only you can fill (pg. 77, Dragons and Dirt).

There will be giants of doubt looming large as you embrace your purpose.

Authentic living, in the midst of unraveling, is a gift for those hovering near.

Do hard heart-work even when it’s scary and requires a formal apology.

Don’t hold back, but lean into Jesus and his unconventional ways.

These are the things that make up a brave life, as you dare to be different. Let the Potter form you as you spin and smooth and take on an altered shape.

Go purchase your copy of Dragons and Dirt, and then tell me about your favorite parts.

welcome

Hi, I'm Katie (a Modern Martha, wife, and mom to five). I'm so glad you're here! Let's enjoy some cut-to-the-chase conversation over hot or iced tea, as we find grace in the unraveling of life (together). Let's exchange try-hard striving for hope-filled freedom as we settle into our position as a doer and a daughter—created by a Loving Father.
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